Aphros Vinhao 2020

Wine Description for Aphros Vinhao 2020 by Aphros Wine

Colour & Appearance

Dark cherry red with a slightly cloudy core and violet reflections.

Nose

presents itself cool, smoky-reductive and wonderfully lean. Instead of sweet fruit, fresh morello cherry, raspberry and a hint of blackcurrant dominate. Beneath this, the bouquet reveals a fascinating maritime note of sea spray, oyster shell and delicate seaweed, rounded off by ethereal herbs and black olives.

Palate

On the palate, with a modest 11.5% ABV, the wine proves extremely delicate, cascading and racy. A silky tannic veil caresses the taut acid structure. The mouthfeel is characterised by salty freshness, cool spice and an invigorating drinkability.

Finish

In the finish, a juicy, crystal-clear morello cherry fruitiness resonates for a long time, supported by herbal impulses.

Terroir & Origin

Grown in the rugged, Atlantic-influenced Lima Valley on the historic Casal do Paço estate. Vasco Croft’s winery is embedded in a species-rich ecosystem of chestnut and oak forests, where wildlife and organic cultivation shape the terroir.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pressed 100% from the autochthonous grape variety Vinhão. Harvesting is done by hand, after which the grapes are traditionally foot-trodden in ancient granite troughs (lagares). Fermentation occurs spontaneously with wild yeasts.

Pairing Recommendations

Slightly chilled at 12–13 °C, it is a delight alongside beetroot and feta salad with walnuts and basil pesto. It also pairs excellently with pan-fried sea bream with roasted fennel or a juicy grilled flank steak with sautéd porcini mushrooms and wild herb salad.

Key Features

An unusual red wine full of Atlantic freshness that brings the cool climate of Vinho Verde unvarnished into the glass – traditionally foot-trodden in granite lagares and spontaneously fermented.